Lascelles, an England Under-20 defender who has been tracked by a number of leading Premier League clubs including Manchester City and QPR, as well as highly-rated goalkeeper Darlow, 23, will be loaned straight back to the Championship club who kick-off their season against Blackpool on Saturday.

"We had an offer from Newcastle, that I was made aware of last week, in regards to the two players going there," Pearce told the Nottingham Post. "The figures that were mentioned, by the representative of our club - I said I would not do that deal, when I was asked the question.

"I think I have a good relationship with the club. But obviously, for whatever reason, they have decided to take the money on this situation.

"I do not agree with it. But the only olive branch I have got is that the boys are both coming back on a year loan, which is a bonus.”

By contrast, Pardew, who has invested wisely over the summer having recruited seven new players already, is excited about the prospect of bringing in two exciting, young English talents.

He said: "Every time we sign a player we think it's good business," he told reporters. "We think it's part of what we do.